T1 League: The Rise and Evolution of Taiwan's Professional Basketball
The T1 League emerged as a pivotal force in the professionalization of basketball in Taiwan. Established in 2021, the league sought to elevate the sport's profile by bringing together corporate sponsors and city-based franchises to create a competitive, high-energy environment for athletes and fans alike.
The foundation of the league began on May 10, 2021, when Kuan Kuang-Chung, the former NBA Taiwan region general manager, was appointed as the sponsor. By May 24, the league was officially named the T1 League, attracting interest from major urban centers including Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taichung, and Taipei.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2021, with the first opening game held on November 27.
- First Champion: Kaohsiung Aquas (2021–22 season).
- League Commissioner: Chien Wei-Chuan.
- Evolution: Transitioned toward the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) in 2024.
- Key Teams: Included the Kaohsiung Aquas, New Taipei CTBC DEA, and TaiwanBeer Leopards.
The Formative Years (2021–2022)
The inaugural year was marked by rapid expansion and organizational structuring. Following the announcement of the league, several teams were formally established, including the Kaohsiung Aquas (May 26), the Taichung Suns (June 19), and the New Taipei CTBC DEA (July 30). The league's leadership was solidified with the appointment of Chien Wei-Chuan as commissioner and Chang Yun-Chih as secretary general.
To build its talent pool, the T1 League held its first draft on August 9, 2021, where 17 players were selected from a pool of 58 participants across five rounds. The league's roster grew further with the addition of the TaiwanBeer HeroBears and the Tainan TSG GhostHawks. The first official game took place on November 27, 2021, featuring a matchup between the Kaohsiung Aquas and the TaiwanBeer HeroBears at the University of Taipei Tianmu Campus Gymnasium.
The First Championship
The 2021–22 season culminated on June 4, 2022, when the Kaohsiung Aquas secured the championship title by defeating the Taichung Wagor Suns with a 3–0 series victory.
Growth and Organizational Shifts (2022–2023)
As the league entered its second year, it focused on administrative refinement. In September 2022, the league appointed Liu Yi-Cheng as vice commissioner and Hsieh Chih-Cheng as chief operating officer. Chang Shu-Jen, previously the general manager of the New Taipei CTBC DEA, stepped in as the new secretary general.
The 2022–23 season saw the introduction of the first All-Star Game on February 28, 2023, held at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium. The season ended on May 21, 2023, with the New Taipei CTBC DEA claiming the championship after a 4–0 sweep of the Tainan TSG GhostHawks.
Turbulence and Transition (2023–2024)
The period between 2023 and 2024 was characterized by significant franchise changes and financial challenges. In June 2023, Taishin Sports Entertainment Co., Ltd. took over the participation rights of the TaiwanBeer HeroBears. Subsequently, the Taoyuan Leopards partnered with the Taiwan Beer basketball association, rebranding as the TaiwanBeer Leopards. The Taipei Taishin Mars were also formally announced on August 24, 2023.
However, the league faced setbacks when the Taichung Suns had their participation rights cancelled due to financial qualification issues, leading the team to officially fold on October 16, 2023. Despite these hurdles, the 2023–24 season proceeded, ending on June 1, 2024, with the Taiwan Beer Leopards winning the championship via a 4–0 victory over the Taipei Mars.
The Move to TPBL
In June 2024, the T1 League announced that its remaining five teams would organize a new league for the 2024–25 season. While the Tainan TSG GhostHawks opted to join the P. League+, the Kaohsiung Aquas, New Taipei CTBC DEA, Taipei Taishin Mars, and Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards officially joined the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).
T1 League Summary
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Kaohsiung Aquas | Taichung Wagor Suns | 3–0 |
| 2022–23 | New Taipei CTBC DEA | Tainan TSG GhostHawks | 4–0 |
| 2023–24 | Taiwan Beer Leopards | Taipei Mars | 4–0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first champion of the T1 League?
The Kaohsiung Aquas won the inaugural 2021–22 season championship by defeating the Taichung Wagor Suns 3–0.
Why did the Taichung Suns fold?
The Taichung Suns officially folded on October 16, 2023, after their participation rights for the 2023–24 season were cancelled due to financial qualification issues.
What happened to the T1 League teams in 2024?
Most teams, including the Kaohsiung Aquas, New Taipei CTBC DEA, Taipei Taishin Mars, and Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards, joined the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL). The Tainan TSG GhostHawks chose to join the P. League+.
How many players were selected in the first T1 League draft?
In the first draft held on August 9, 2021, 17 players were chosen from a pool of 58 participants over five rounds.
Which team won the 2023–24 championship?
The Taiwan Beer Leopards won the 2023–24 championship by defeating the Taipei Mars 4–0.